Athletic on top as title race goes down to wire
IT IS very much advantage Bodedern Athletic in the race for the Snowdonia Fire Protection Gwynedd League title with one round of matches to go.
Last Saturday saw Boded take a big step towards being crowned champions when they won their six-pointer at overnight co-leaders Bontnewydd 2-0.
Bont had not been beaten in the league all season – a run of 20 matches undefeated – but goals from Casey Boylan and Ryan Taylor gave Athletic a two-point lead at the summit.
The top three now stands: Bodedern – played 21 points 53 (goal difference +52), Aberffraw – P 21 Pts 51 (GD +41) and Bontnewydd – P 21 Pts 50 (GD +44).
In their final match on Thursday, May 25, Bodedern travel to Menai Bridge Tigers knowing a win will clinch the title.
A draw and 54 points would probably be enough for Ricky Williams’ side as their goal difference is considerably better than challengers Aberffraw or Bontnewydd.
Bont host Berffro in their last fixtures on May 27.
Aberffraw can pinch the title if they win at Bontnewydd and Boded lose at Menai Bridge.
Aber’s only other hope is if Bodedern draw at the Bridge and they win by a huge margin at Bont.
To finish top of the table, outsiders Bont would have to hammer Berffro and depend on Athletic being beaten at Menai.
Bodedern had lost on penalties at Bont in the Gwynedd Safeflue Shield semi-finals last midweek, but three days later gained revenge.
Ryan Taylor, Craig Moore and Ricky Jones all went close before captain Boylan slammed a volley into the top corner on 11 minutes.
Several other chances went begging for the Anglesey visitors before the break.
The islanders withstood early second-half pressure from Bont before the game was sealed on 71 minutes. Shane Boylan’s pass released Taylor, whose first effort was saved, but he made no mistake from the rebound.
Aberffraw stayed in the hunt with a 3-1 win at Waunfawr, Gareth Hughes and Paul Evans (2) for the visitors.
Menai Bridge lost 8-5 in a goalfest at Nefyn United, Owen Vaughan, Owain Roberts, Tim Evans, Guy Hughes and Gareth Barker striking for the Anglesey visitors.